Wicks n’ More operating on much smaller scale

Wicks n’ More products still are being sold, and the company has found a temporary location to manufacture its popular candles.
Founded in 1999, the company makes hand-poured designer candles. Its Mooreville factory was gutted in a mid-September fire that destroyed its equipment and inventory.
Company founder and president Beckey Neal said Wicks n’ More is in “survival mode” as it struggles to stay afloat.
The company closed its retail store at The Mall at Barnes Crossing a few weeks ago. Shortly after the fire, Neal said she hoped to keep it open as a gift shop of some kind.
Mall officials said they received little notice the store would close.
“This is a difficult decision this close to Christmas, but under our circumstances, we need all of our energy focused on saving our manufacturing business,” Neal said in an email.
Wicks n’ More products are being sold at Village Green in Tupelo and New Albany Florist Shop, and Neal said many of the products can be replenished.
For now, the temporary manufacturing site, whose location Neal declined to disclose, will produce for the company’s smaller retail customers.
“We just want people to know we are still in business, but on a smaller scale,” she said.
Neal said she hopes to rebuild a larger manufacturing facility eventually. For now, the company will have to make do with what it has.
“Right now, we’re in survival mode,” she said.
dennis.seid@journalinc.com